Semester 2 Unit 3 Flashcards

Vocabulary and Definitions

• Allies: Nations opposing student, including Britain and the U.S. from 1917 during World War I.
• Reparation: Compensation demanded from a defeated foe by the victors.
• Asocial: A term describing individuals unwilling or unable to conform to standard social behaviors, synonymous with antisocial.
• Collaborator: Someone who cooperates with an enemy nation, particularly in an occupation scenario.
• Euthanasia: The act of ending life to relieve suffering from an incurable condition, typically through lethal injection or withholding treatment.
• Exterminate: To completely destroy or eliminate.
• Propaganda: The dissemination of ideas or information to promote or harm an institution, cause, or individual.
• Apartheid: A South African policy of institutionalized racial segregation affecting non-whites politically, economically, and legally.
• Attrition: The process of weakening resistance through continuous pressure or harassment.
• Uitlander: An Afrikaans term meaning 'foreigner,' used for foreign migrant workers in South Africa.
• Bolshevik: A member of the radical faction of the Russian Social Democratic Workers' Party that led the October Revolution.
• Bourgeoisie: The middle class, often associated with materialistic values.
• Mensheviks: The faction of the Russian Social Democratic Party that represented the minority liberal viewpoint.
• Negotiation: Discussion aimed at reaching an agreement.
• Proletariat: The working class, particularly those without ownership of means of production.
• Serf: A member of the lowest class in the feudal system, often bound to the land.
• Serfdom: The status of being a serf, with farmland owned by the nobility and worked by enslaved individuals.
• Pragmatism: A philosophy prioritizing practical results over theoretical considerations.
• Liberalism: A political ideology advocating for social reform through legal changes rather than revolution.
• Republicanism: The belief that a republic is the most effective form of governance.
• Socialism: A system where means of production and distribution are owned by the community or government.
• Utilitarianism: A theory focusing on the practical utility of actions rather than their aesthetic appeal.
• Atonal: Music lacking a tonal center or key.
• Dissonance: Sounds that clash or are unpleasant, contrary to harmony.
• Nocturne: A musical piece that conveys a dreamy, reflective mood, typically written for piano.
• Prelude: An introductory piece of music leading into the main composition.
• Syncopation: A musical technique emphasizing weak beats in a rhythm.

Historical Context and Events

• Impressionism in Music: Characterized by the use of woodwinds, strings, and harp.
• Twelve-tone Technique: Ensures equal importance of all twelve notes and is linked to Arnold Schoenberg.
• Igor Stravinsky: Became a U.S. citizen in 1940 and caused a stir in music by combining jazz with classical elements in works like 'The Firebird'.
• 1911 Revolution in China: Resulted in provincial decentralization, ended monarchical rule, and promoted republicanism, with territories like Tibet and Mongolia declaring independence.
• May Fourth Intellectual Movement: Advocated for vernacular Chinese (pai-hua) over classical Chinese.
• Economic Changes Post-1949 Revolution: Establishment of collective farms improved opportunities for previously landless peasants.
• People's Republic of China founded on October 1, 1949, by Mao Zedong, who aimed to modernize the economy through initiatives like the Great Leap Forward.

Russian Revolution Insights

• Roots of 1905 Revolution: Initiated by the Russo-Japanese War and domestic political/economic unrest.
• Key Locations: Significant battles occurred at Port Arthur, Mukden, and along the railway to Harbin.
• Emancipation Manifesto: Freed serfs and allocated land to them.
• Revolutionary Groups: Two secret factions were Populists and Nihilists.
• Nicholas II: The last czar of Russia, faced significant opposition leading to the October Manifesto, which granted civil liberties and established a legislature.
• 1905 Revolution: Seen as a precursor to the 1917 Revolution, reflecting unresolved issues within society.

Conflict and Impact

• Anglo-Boer War: Conflict between British settlers and Boers stemming from cultural and religious tensions.
• Economic Factors: British imposition of taxes and control measures fueled conflict.
• Continuation of War: The British grew weary, lacking motivation to persist in the war.
• World War II Beginnings: Sparked by Germany’s invasion of Poland; seen through the lens of political and social tensions throughout Europe.
• Japanese Kamikaze: Pilots believed death in combat was preferable to capture, illustrating commitment to national honor.
• Truman's Decision: The use of the atomic bomb on Japan was influenced by the perception that Japan would not surrender.

Consequences of World War I

• Post-War Attitudes: Global sentiment sought to punish Germany, evidenced in treaties that favored victors.
• Treaty of Versailles: Signed at the Palace of Versailles marking the end of World War I and holding Germany liable for damages.
• Rise of Hitler: The dire economic conditions in Germany post-war facilitated the ascent of Adolf Hitler to power.